Bio Chemistry

BIOCHEMISTRY 3(2+1)

Lesson 8 : Lipids- Introduction, Classification and Functions

Other lipids not found in membranes

1. waxes - nonpolar esters of long chain fatty acids and alcohols very water insoluble high melting point --> solid at outdoor/RT.

Roles: protective coatings of leaves, fruits, fur, feathers, exoskeletons.

2. eicosanoids - 20 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids e.g. prostaglandins - affect smooth muscle --> cause constriction; bronchial constriction of asthmatics; uterine contraction during labor

3. limonene - smell of lemons

4. bactoprenol - involved in cell wall synthesis